Kansas State freshman tight end Linkon Cure was anticipated to be a big part of this offense in 2025, as the first five-star recruit in program history.

But as long as Garrett Oakley's still here, Cure may have some waiting to do. Oakley had another monster performance against TCU, racking up four receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns. He now has 25 receptions for 271 yards and four touchdowns on the season. In addition, his two touchdown receptions on Saturday now make him the program leader in career touchdowns by a tight end.

“If you would’ve told me that when I first got here, I don’t think I’d ever believe you," Oakley said in his postgame interview. "But this is a process team. Coming to work every day and putting my head down going to work is kind of what brought me to this moment and this goal of mine.”

Oakley has been a reliable scorer for the Wildcats the last few seasons, one of the best red-zone weapons for quarterback Avery Johnson. Johnson likes to get the ball to his running backs and tight ends in short-yardage situations, and Oakley has been his most consistent tight end during his time under center. His performance against the Horned Frogs illustrated his ability to score in long-range situations as well.

"Oakley played a great game today," Johnson said. "I think a lot of time earlier in the year, I didn't give him enough credit when he had one-on-one matchups that he could win battles and be physical on tough routes getting out of breaks. He's been open all year. These past few weeks, I've trusted him a lot more, and he's holding up his end. He's done a great job."

With Oakley and Jaron Tibbs, Johnson has been able to spread the ball out more instead of solely relying on wide receiver Jayce Brown. With running back Dylan Edwards out of the picture as well, it has been that much more essential for Oakley to be a solid weapon, but also a pass-catcher in the play-action.

"He’s playing with such confidence," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "Avery and he have a great chemistry and great connection. I think Oak's one of the top tight ends in the country. He’s such a great big body, and he does really well after the catch, running good routes. The kid's a really good football player, and he uses his body so well."